Richmond Edges Fordham 17-14; Wickersham Delivers Two TDs

**Spiders Clutch Season Opener, Hold Off Fordham 17-14 Behind Wickersham’s Heroics**

**RICHMOND, VA – September 2, 2023** – The University of Richmond Spiders football team opened its 2023 campaign with a gritty 17-14 victory over the Fordham Rams at Robins Stadium on Saturday, September 2nd. In a contest that went down to the final possession, Spiders quarterback Kyle Wickersham proved to be the difference-maker, accounting for both of Richmond’s touchdowns and masterfully guiding the offense in the crucial final minutes.

Richmond, a contender in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), wasted no time establishing control. On their very first possession, Wickersham led an impressive 75-yard drive down the field, culminating in his own 1-yard touchdown run, putting the Spiders up 7-0. The sophomore signal-caller continued to impress in the second quarter, extending Richmond’s lead when he connected with wide receiver Nick De Genna on a 19-yard touchdown pass, pushing the score to 14-0.

Fordham, representing the Patriot League, refused to yield. Rams quarterback CJ Montes orchestrated a comeback effort, first finding Mekai Felton on a 13-yard touchdown pass to get Fordham on the scoreboard. The tension escalated dramatically in the fourth quarter when Montes capped another drive with a 1-yard touchdown run with just 4:10 remaining in the game, tightening the score to a precarious 17-14.

With the momentum seemingly shifting, Richmond’s offense, led by Wickersham, faced its biggest test. Taking possession after Montes’s late score, the Spiders demonstrated poise and execution. Through a combination of precise short passes and critical runs, they successfully picked up key first downs, allowing them to methodically run out the remaining time on the clock and seal the hard-fought victory.

Wickersham’s performance was a highlight of the day. He finished completing 20 of 33 passes for 180 yards, including one touchdown and one interception. On the ground, he added 44 rushing yards on nine carries, alongside his opening touchdown run. For Fordham, CJ Montes showcased his dual-threat capability, keeping the Rams in contention until the very end.

“That’s a testament to our guys’ resilience and mental toughness,” said Richmond Head Coach Russ Huesman after the game. “We knew Fordham would fight back, and they’re a well-coached team. Kyle made some big plays for us, both with his arm and his legs, and our offensive line really stepped up on that final drive to chew clock. It wasn’t perfect, but a win’s a win, especially in a season opener.”

The Spiders (1-0) will now look to build on this momentum as they prepare to host Delaware State next Saturday, September 9th, at Robins Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 PM EST. Fordham (0-1) will also be on the road next week, traveling to West Long Branch, New Jersey, to face Monmouth University on September 9th.